From the 36...
Welcome to From the 36. It’s a place where I share what’s happening in and around our corner of Rhode Island, from Narragansett to North Kingstown to Block Island.
Sometimes it’s policy, sometimes it’s personal, but it’s always about the people and issues that shape our community.
Check in often to see what’s on my mind, what’s going on in District 36, and how together we can keep turning the tide in the right direction.
Recognizing Pearl Harbor Day, and Rhode Island’s Role in the War Effort
On Pearl Harbor Day, we honor those lost and highlight a local connection: Quonset Point.
It played a critical role in America’s WWII victory and left a proud legacy for District 36.
Rhode Island’s Climate Goals: What We’re Doing Right and Where the Math Isn’t Adding Up
Rhode Island is making real strides on clean energy, but the latest data shows we’re nowhere near the pace required to meet our 2030 climate mandate.
This post breaks down what’s working, where the plan is falling short, and whether our goals need a realistic reset to protect families and businesses.
Believing in Yourself When You Can’t See The Goal Line
Entrepreneurship isn’t about having a clear, straight path. It’s about believing in yourself even when the goal line isn’t visible.
What advice would you give someone who’s struggling to stay motivated?
When Good Intentions Collide with Reality: The Taylor Swift Tax and the Law of Unintended Consequences
The new “Taylor Swift Tax” was meant to target luxury home purchases, but realtors are already warning that it’s chilling Rhode Island’s housing market.
It’s a clear example of how well-intentioned policies can create unintended consequences.
To fix our housing crisis, we need thoughtful, predictable solutions, not headline-driven legislation.
What I’m Thankful for This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a chance to pause and appreciate the people who lift us up.
I’m lucky for my wife Bried, my family, our teams at Fifth & Ninth and Bonnet Shores Beach Club, and the South County community that has shaped my life for 40 years.
I’m grateful for everyone who’s part of this journey.
Built by Many Hands: The Holiday Traditions That Bind Us
Each December, Block Island builds one of the most unique holiday traditions in Rhode Island, a Christmas tree made entirely of lobster traps.
What begins as a simple stack of traps becomes a glowing symbol of who we are as coastal communities: resilient, creative, and deeply connected to one another.
This tradition isn’t just about the holidays; it’s about honoring our working families, celebrating our shared history, and remembering what makes District 36 such a special place to call home.
Tomorrow’s Routine Procedure and the Bigger Questions It Raises About the Cost of Healthcare in Rhode Island
A colonoscopy may be routine, but what Rhode Islanders pay for one is anything but.
With The Providence Journal finding nearly eightfold price differences across hospitals, my own upcoming screening raises larger questions about transparency, affordability, and the cost of healthcare in our state.
What My Annual Physical Says About Rhode Island’s Healthcare Crisis
My annual checkup was supposed to be routine.
Instead, it highlighted a growing problem in Rhode Island’s healthcare system: physician retirements, long wait times, and younger doctors choosing to practice in neighboring states.
The nurse practitioner who examined me was excellent, but the fact that my primary doctor is booked until May reveals a system stretched thin.
Why I Back the Blue
As the weather turns and we head into the holidays, we rely on first responders to keep our communities safe.
Public safety is the foundation of every strong community, and strong communities are a place for families to grow, businesses to invest and people to thrive.
Here in District 36, we’re fortunate to have dedicated officers who keep our neighborhoods strong, stable, and safe.
This is why I back the blue.
🇺🇸 Veterans Day: Honoring My Father and the Values That Shaped Me
This Veterans Day, I’m honoring my father, Antranig “Anto” Mesrobian.
He was a first-generation Armenian-American who served during the Korean War out of a sense of gratitude to the country that gave his parents refuge.
The values he passed down, hard work, integrity, and service, are the same ones that drive me to serve the people of District 36 today.
Turning the Tide on Energy Costs in Rhode Island
Rhode Islanders are paying some of the highest electricity rates in the country, and it’s taking a toll on families and small businesses alike.
Let’s take a look at what’s really driving energy costs and outline five practical steps Rhode Island can take to turn the tide toward more affordable power.
Bonnet Shores Beach Club Donates $12,050 to Rhode Island Community Food Bank
For the last five years, the Bonnet Shores Beach Club (BSBC) has held a fundraiser to support the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, and this year, the generosity of members and owners resulted in a $12,000 donation.
Pictured (left to right) are Mark Mesrobian, General Manager of BSBC; Louise Healy, Secretary of the Board of Directors; and Kelly Seigh, Director of Corporate & Community Relations for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.
Honoring Our First Responders
Today, on National First Responders Day, we pause to honor the men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe.
From firefighters and EMTs to police officers and dispatchers, their courage and commitment remind us that service isn’t just a job. It’s a calling.
In District 36, and across Rhode Island, we’re grateful every day for those who answer that call.
Ask An Expert: Aging In Rhode Island
Planning for the future doesn’t have to be intimidating.
I sat down with a local Elder law attorney to break down estate planning, long-term care, taxes, and healthcare, the essentials of aging wisely in Rhode Island.
Our conversation follows…
Ask An Expert: RI Taxes
In this first installment of Ask An Expert: RI Taxes, we sit down with a local CPA and asked him to help unpack how Rhode Island’s tax structure impacts businesses, homeowners, and retirees.
From income and estate taxes to gas and hotel fees, we explore what keeps our economy competitive, and what might be driving people away.
My takes follow…
We Don’t Value the Trades Nearly Enough
My dad was a cabinet maker and proud member of Local 94.
His trade gave our family stability and a path to opportunity.
We need to invest in vocational education so more Rhode Islanders can build that same future right here at home.
Demystifying Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare and Medicaid sound alike, but they serve different needs.
One promises care in retirement; the other provides a safety net when times get tough.
Here’s how both keep Rhode Islanders healthy and secure.
Demystifying The Rhode Island FY2026 State Budget
The Rhode Island budget isn’t exactly light reading.
Understanding how our money is spent is one of the best ways to hold government accountable and make sure our priorities line up with what matters most.
So, let’s dive in.
When The Underdog Turned The Tide… Patriots vs Buffalo
When the Patriots went into Buffalo, no one gave them a chance. But grit beat glamour and the underdog turned the tide.
Not dissimilar to what we’re doing here in District 36 — proving that hard work, heart, and teamwork can still beat the establishment.
Why I’m Optimistic About Rhode Island’s Future
The view from the deck at Bonnet Shores Beach Club reminds me why we all love South County so much. Rhode Island isn’t perfect, but it’s the place we call home. With optimism, action, and a little grit, we can steer toward progress… together.
“an education in knowledge pays the best interest.”
— BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, Inventor & Statesman